Copernicia prunifera aka Carnauba Palm

Copernicia prunifera is an evergreen palm in the Arecaceae family. Its common names include carnauba palm and Brazilian wax palm. It comes from northeastern Brazil, reaching northern Minas Gerais. It grows in dry forests, along rivers, and in valleys. These sites can flood, then dry out for long spells. People grow it for wax and as a tropical ornamental.

This slow-growing palm forms one upright trunk with no branches. Sources place its usual height around 23–39 feet [7–12 metres]. Some trees reach 49 feet [15 metres]; another account reports 66 feet [20 metres]. Its crown spreads about 10 feet [3 metres] wide. The slender trunk supports a rounded crown of fan-shaped leaves. Each leaf can reach about 3.3 feet [1 metre] long. Its stalk can reach the same length. The flowers contain both male and female parts. Small, round fruits turn black.

Give this palm full sun, even while it is young. It prefers moist soil that drains well, but withstands drought. It accepts sandy, loamy, and clay soils, including saline ground. It grows in mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline soil. Warm tropical sites suit it best. Cultivation accounts describe climates that stay above 50°F [10°C]. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. Despite its preference for moisture, it can grow in dry regions. Seeds may take two to three months to sprout. Germination can be poor, and seedlings grow slowly.

The leaf coating supplies carnauba wax, a major crop in Brazil. Makers use this hard wax in polishes, varnishes, soaps, and candles. They also use it in lubricants and other goods. People weave the leaves into mats, baskets, and hats. They also use them for thatch and rope. The wood serves for fencing and withstands salty water. The bold leaf crown gives the tree value in tropical gardens.

Several parts have food uses, including fruit and cooked leaves. Starchy trunk pith provides material for sago. The trunk also yields edible gum. Seeds serve as a coffee substitute, and young flower clusters are edible. People eat the growing tip as palm heart. Removing it kills this single-stemmed palm. Traditional medicine uses the roots, while leaf wax goes into ointments. These records do not establish treatment safety or effectiveness. Sharp edges or spines call for care when handling.